Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is an umbrella term for two similar and common subtypes of dementia:[1] dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).[2][3][4][5] Both are characterized by changes in thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.[1] The two conditions have similar features and may have similar causes, and are believed to belong on a spectrum of Lewy body disease[2] that includes Parkinson's disease.[5] As of 2014, they were more often misdiagnosed than any other common dementia.[6]
The exact cause is unknown, but involves widespread deposits of abnormal clumps of protein that form in neurons of the diseased brain. Known as Lewy bodies (discovered in 1912 by Frederic Lewy[7]) and Lewy neurites, these clumps affect both the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.[8] The fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) gives Lewy body disease as the causative subtype of dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson's disease as the causative subtype of Parkinson's disease dementia.[9] Dementia with Lewy bodies is marked by the presence of Lewy bodies primarily in the cortical regions, and Parkinson's disease dementia with Lewy bodies primarily in the subcortical basal ganglia.[10]
Society and culture[edit]
Advocacy and awareness[edit]
As of 2014, the Lewy body dementias were more often misdiagnosed than any other common dementia.[6] Most people with DLB had not heard of the condition prior to diagnosis; general awareness about LBD lags well behind that of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, even though LBD is the second most common dementia, after Alzheimer's.[6] It is not only frustrating for families and caregivers to find that few people, including many healthcare professionals, are knowledgeable about LBD; lack of knowledge can have significant health consequences because people with LBD have severe sensitivity to antipsychotics often used to treat the symptoms.[6] The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) and the UK Lewy Body Society promote awareness and provide support that helps society, by reducing costly use of healthcare, and families with LBD, by reducing stress.[6] These organizations, and others in Argentina, Australia and Japan, help raise knowledge and help families with LBD become advocates to raise awareness about the disease.[6]